OVARIES. TALK ABOUT THEM. FILMS
Ovaries. Talk About Them. is a wake-up call — shining an unflinching light on ovarian cancer, a silent killer too often ignored. This campaign is about more than a disease. It’s about women. It’s about rights. And it’s about a system that has failed both. For too long, women have been dismissed, their symptoms overlooked, and their lives cut short. Through powerful stories from survivors, families, and leading voices like Dr Jonathan Berek, Professor Caroline Ford, Dr Kristina Warton, and the pioneering UNSW Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Ovaries. Talk About Them. exposes the truth and calls for urgent action. These stories show the scale of the problem and the millions of lives it impacts worldwide.
This is not just a medical breakthrough we’re fighting for; it’s a human right. Join us, and let’s make history together.
WATCH MICHELLE GRAND-MILKOVIC'S STORY
LIVING WITH STAGE 3C/4 OVARIAN CANCER
Michelle was in her early forties, leading a full and vibrant life with her husband Michael and their two children — 14-year-old Eva and 16-year-old Max. She worked long hours, exercised regularly, and remained highly attuned to her body. After surviving multiple melanomas, she was diligent with routine health checks and scans. Nothing ever showed up. Then, in July 2022, while on a family ski trip in Queenstown, Michelle suffered a fall causing a severe hernia and underwent surgery. Everything went smoothly — the surgeon even came down afterwards to say the operation had gone well. Two weeks later, she returned for a standard follow-up appointment.
“I said to all my staff at work, ‘I’ve got to pop out, I’ve literally got a 20-minute appointment, I’ll be back, I’ll see you soon.’ And that was the last time I was at work.”
- MICHELLE GRAND-MILKOVIC, LIVING WITH STAGE 3C/4 OVARIAN CANCER
“I don’t think anything could have really mentally prepared me. I just remember being so scared. That feeling — it’s so hard to explain.”
- MICHELLE GRAND-MILKOVIC, LIVING WITH STAGE 3C/4 OVARIAN CANCER
Michelle was diagnosed with stage 3C/4 ovarian cancer. Exploratory surgery followed, and it was only then that doctors discovered the true extent of her disease — tumours stretching from her rectum to her diaphragm. Michelle underwent extensive cytoreductive surgery, followed by chemotherapy living with stage 3C/4 ovarian cancer. In March 2025, routine scans found two new growths — requiring yet another operation and a return to chemo. Today, Michelle is navigating life with ovarian cancer. She’s facing conversations no one wants to have — about terminal illness, about quality of life. And still, she shows up — for herself, and for her family. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when you do everything right, this disease can remain invisible — until it’s almost too late.
Thank you, Michelle for sharing your story.
WATCH NOLENE MCCANN'S STORY
LIVING WITH STAGE 4 OVARIAN CANCER
Nolene McCann has always lived a healthy, active life. Her mother passed away from cervical cancer, so Nolene remained vigilant — never missing a check-up and staying on top of her routine screenings. So, when she began to feel unusually bloated — just a slight discomfort after lunch with friends — she listened to her body. Within two days, Nolene received a diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer. Treatment began almost immediately. In January 2025, Nolene underwent a full hysterectomy, followed by additional therapies and ongoing care. Since her diagnosis, Nolene has moved in with her daughter Kate who also reflects on how deeply this has changed both of their lives. Nolene’s story is not one of missed opportunities — it’s a story of how far vigilance can take you, and where it still falls short. She did everything right. But without an early detection test, it wasn’t enough.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Nolene.
“Mum was so diligent in terms of her health checks. And it just breaks my heart that this wasn’t something that was available to her. An early detection test would be absolutely life-changing. It would change her life. It would change my life.”
- KATE BUCCERI, DAUGHTER OF NOLENE MCCANN
WATCH PAMELA FREEMAN'S STORY
LIVED WITH STAGE 4 OVARIAN CANCER
This is a film dedicated to Pamela Freeman, mum of Creative Director Camilla Freeman-Topper and CEO Marc Freeman who sadly passed away from ovarian cancer over 30 years ago. Ovaries. Talk About Them. exists in honour of her. She was just 42 when she passed away, leaving behind her husband David, and her children Marc 13 and Camilla, 11. Pamela’s husband, David Freeman shares for the first time about his experience with her sudden diagnosis and the strength he had to find when faced with one of the most difficult moments of his life. Since Pamela passed away over 30 years ago, there has been very little advancement for the early detection of ovarian cancer.
Ovaries. Talk About Them. exists on behalf of all women and for future generations, so no child has to lose a mother too soon. On behalf of Pamela, and all women who have faced this disease, we do this on behalf of you, and we will not stop until we make an early detection test a reality.
“If this campaign can change that, then it’s a legacy that I carry forward in honour of my mum. She never had the chance to advocate for other women, but we now have that chance, and we won’t stop until we make this easy detection test a reality.”
- CAMILLA FREEMAN-TOPPER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
“My mother had a great medical team around her, but unfortunately the science just wasn’t ready.”
- MARC FREEMAN, CEO
WATCH THE EXTRAORDINARY MISSION OF OVARIES. TALK ABOUT THEM.
THE MISSION
Watch the extraordinary journey and unwavering mission of Ovaries. Talk About Them. as we take the final, critical last steps towards bringing the world’s first DNA based early detection test for ovarian cancer to clinical trials. Join Creative Director Camilla Freeman-Topper and CEO Marc Freeman, as well as Professor Caroline Ford, Dr Kristina Warton and the pioneering team of scientists at UNSW Gynaecological Cancer Research Group. Together, they are reshaping the future of women’s health through groundbreaking science, philanthropy, and the strength of community.
Ovaries. Talk About Them. reveals the profound impact of the deadliest female cancer and the relentless dedication of female scientists working tirelessly to make early detection a reality — changing lives, and inspiring millions in the process.
